Shouldn't be a problem. Cranks are less sensitive to theoretically incompatible chains than the back end of the drive system is. There is only about half a millimetre difference in chainwidth between 10 & 11-speed, so I can't really see an issue.

Had a look online, Shimano's compatibility chart says 9000 doesn't go with anything else, and saw a few forum comments that said the new teeth might be susceptible to excessive misshifts with the 10 speed chain as it shifts. Then again... if you wanted to get a new crank now and move to 11 speed by Christmas, that might not be a bad idea.

Xplora wrote:Had a look online, Shimano's compatibility chart says 9000 doesn't go with anything else, and saw a few forum comments that said the new teeth might be susceptible to excessive misshifts with the 10 speed chain as it shifts. Then again... if you wanted to get a new crank now and move to 11 speed by Christmas, that might not be a bad idea.

by christmas? be more like 12 months away. think I'll just get the 6750

Xplora wrote:Had a look online, Shimano's compatibility chart says 9000 doesn't go with anything else, and saw a few forum comments that said the new teeth might be susceptible to excessive misshifts with the 10 speed chain as it shifts. Then again... if you wanted to get a new crank now and move to 11 speed by Christmas, that might not be a bad idea.

They said the same thing ten years ago when 10-speed was The New Thing, and it quickly became apparent that there's more compatibilty than Shimano would like us to believe. Heck, they're even marketing certain stuff as 9/10-sp. compatible. Sure there's some bits that are specific, but cranks tend to not be too fussy.

New Ultegra mechanical parts should be appearing very soon, it's the Di2 bits that won't arrive until later in the year or ealy next year.

In response to a question I know was asked, but can't for the life of me remember which thread it was asked in, the new 6870 Di2 group will come with a GS (medium cage) rear derailleur option, compatible with up to 32T big sprocket. Of course it's not back-compatible with 10-speed due to the shifting calibration, but will plug straight into a Dura-Ace group if a wall-climber is required there.

worth stating that shimano 10 speed freehub bodies are not 11-speed compatible. though I have seen a bloke (Ben Mason) "fix" one with a dremel.also worth noting that due to spacing, SOME freehubs cannot be replaced for 11-speed due to spacing. (i.e. you'd need to relace the wheel with a narrower hub for it to fit in the 130mm spacing with the 11 speed hub)

Just got my 6800 groupset from Merlin Cycles. Paid $875 to my door and it got here in under 2business days. Was full retail boxed as well, no OEM. Front brakes already installed (current brake pads were on their final legs), the rest will wait to the weekend when I will do a full strip and clean of my frame before building it up.

All looks very smick but when a box of new goodies arrive its hard for them not to look smick . Quality is top notch from the quick inspection. Front brakes felt good from the quick test I did with them. The real test will come after installation

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